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Broncos' Antonio Smith under investigation in Texas child abuse case, DA confirms

New Denver Broncos defensive lineman Antonio Smith is being investigated for suspicion in a child abuse claim in Texas.

By ianhenson
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

UPDATE 4 p.m. MT:

According to Mike Klis of 9NEWS, the child abuse allegations levied against Broncos defensive lineman Antonio Smith are "sexual in nature."

The story of a child abuse investigation involving Smith was first reported by TMZSports early Thursday.

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The District Attorney's office in Fort Bend County, Texas, had confirmed that allegations against Smith were being investigated.

According to Klis' latest report, the claims were first reported to Fort Bend County Sheriff Troy Nehls in November 2014. Nehls conducted an investigation and turned over his findings to the Texas DA's office in February.

No charges have been filed.

"My office is working with the investigating agency to review their information and further their investigation," DA John Healey told the Denver Post. "There is nothing imminent."

The DA told TMZSports his office is in the process of "trying to discern the truth from the untruthfulness of the claim to decide what charges, if any, will be filed."

Healey's investigation of the claims will determine whether the case is dismissed or a Grand Jury is called.

The Broncos issued a statement late Thursday morning saying, "Last night, we became aware for the first time of an allegation involving Antonio Smith. We are now in the process of gathering more information."

According to the TMZ report, allegations stem from "multiple abuses dating back to 2010."

Smith signed with Denver April 2 on a one-year deal. The 6-foot-3, 290-pound defensive end is in his 12th NFL season, having played 156 career games and 133 starts. Drafted out of Oklahoma State in the fifth round by the Arizona Cardinals in 2004, Smith joined the Houston Texans via free agency in 2009. He spent last season with the Oakland Raiders.

While boasting the third-highest pass rush with the Raiders according to Pro Football Focus grades, Smith also registered the worst run defense among any defensive tackle in 2014 by PFF.

The new Broncos' defensive lineman made the Pro Bowl in 2011.

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